The Ulam Spiral
The Ulam Spiral is an image of the prime numbers. The natural numbers are arranged in a square spiral, with the primes represented by white pixels against a black background of non-primes.
The programming by Dr Richard Christian and production by Allan Parker shows as much of the infinite sequence as can fit within the bounds of the screen. It currently exists on a local server.
The number of each prime number is shown on the screen when the custom cursor passes over it.
It represents the mathematical sublime and embodies a key mystery in mathematics. A unique sound is produced by each pixel as the cursor passes over it which creates complex harmonics as the sounds combine. This work is interactive and can be ‘played’ by visitors to the gallery via a track pad.
It also features in the Fragment Corpora book.
The project was developed by Dr. Richard Christian and Allan Parker and the sounds provided by composer Georgina Brett. It was last shown at Alliance Française de Bangalore in Jan 26.